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Crispy Baked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Easy Homemade Golden Cheese Crust

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These crispy baked jalapeno poppers feature a golden cheese crust with a creamy, spicy filling, perfect for snacks, appetizers, or game-day treats. They are quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeno peppers
  • 8 oz (225 g) softened full-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) cooked bacon bits (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wash and dry the jalapenos. Slice each in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in bacon bits if using. Mix until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture, leaving a little space on top.
  5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed jalapenos.
  6. Arrange the poppers cut-side up on the lined baking sheet, spacing about an inch apart.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown, and jalapenos are softened but hold shape.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

[‘Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid irritation.’, ‘Pat jalapenos dry after deseeding to ensure crispiness.’, ‘Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth filling.’, ‘Don’t skip the Parmesan topping for the golden crust.’, ‘Watch baking time closely to avoid burning the cheese.’, ‘Broil briefly for extra crispiness if desired.’, ‘Try adding cooked sausage or chorizo for a smoky twist.’, ‘For a plant-based version, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese.’, ‘Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.’, ‘Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to refresh crispiness.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, baked jalapeno poppers, crispy jalapeno poppers, cheese crust, appetizer, snack, game day food, easy recipe